On behalf of the Howland Township employees and administrators, we would like to thank everyone who rolled down their windows and contributed to the kettle collection at Howland Corners on Saturday, December 1. This was the Township employees’ annual holiday project to give back to their community by donating their time and effort to make this successful.

You donated $8,243 that has been given to the Second Harvest Food Bank and designated for the food pantries at Bolindale Christian Church and Howland Township Community Church. Some of the money also purchased turkeys that will be distributed this holiday season at these pantries. For every dollar donated, the food pantries will be able to purchase $15 in food.

The Bolindale Food Pantry began in April 2012 as a collaboration between the Church and Howland Township, which applied for and received a $4,000 grant from the Trumbull County Health Department to help start the program. With additional funds from the Church, the food pantry has served over 90 families, with the numbers increasing every month. The monies collected will enable the food pantry to serve families living in the Bolindale area for a year. Bolindale Christian Church is located at 2749 Fairview Ave. SE, Warren, Ohio 44484; the phone number is (330) 369-3452. The pantry is open the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 4-6 pm.

The Howland Community Church Food Pantry is located at 198 Niles Cortland Rd. SE, Warren, Ohio 44484; the phone number is (330) 856-3268. It is open the second and fourth Fridays from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

We are always heartened but never surprised by our community’s generosity. Thank you for opening your hearts and pockets for our fellow neighbors.